At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape the communications strategy for a vital organisation, engaging with the community.
- Company: Join a purpose-driven organisation focused on building trust and transparency.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension contributions, flexible working, and extensive leave.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of those affected by infected blood issues.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in public sector communications and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 72717 - 72717 € per year.
Our organisation’s purpose is to find and pay compensation to everyone who is eligible, and building trust with that community is crucial. Communication and engagement plays a key part in this. The Head of Communications shapes, leads, designs and implements the communications strategy for IBCA as part of our leadership team, while also growing and developing our team. Building trust and transparency with the infected blood community is essential, which means how we communicate is as important as what we communicate.
You will be responsible for the organisation's strategic narrative, external and internal communications and awareness campaigns, leading a team and overseeing a significant programme budget. They will sit at the heart of IBCA's leadership, supporting the Director in advising the Chief Executive and Board, working closely across the public sector and ensuring communications actively supports operational delivery.
- Leading IBCA's communications function as part of a leadership team.
- Actively maintaining trust with the infected blood community.
- Being responsible for the organisation's strategic narrative, external and internal communications, awareness campaigns and content.
- Leading a team.
- Overseeing a significant programme budget.
- Advising the Chief Executive and Board and supporting the Director.
- Ensuring communications actively supports operational delivery.
There is an expectation that the successful candidate will need to undertake some travel as part of this role.
Person specification
- Experience of leading communications in a public sector and/or regulatory environment at a senior level.
- Proven experience leading and developing a high-performing communications team, including recruitment, talent development and building capability aligned to organisational needs.
- Ability to design and deliver strategic communications in a complex, sensitive or high-scrutiny environment, with demonstrable impact on public trust and audience understanding.
- Experience developing and owning a strategic narrative across internal and external channels, including advising and briefing senior leaders.
- Strong track record of stakeholder engagement, including working across government, with arm's-length bodies, and/or with communities who may have low trust in institutions.
- Excellent judgement in balancing communications priorities with operational realities and political sensitivity.
Desired Criteria
- Experience managing budgets, procurement and agency relationships, including phased spend planning.
- Senior qualifications in communication and/or engagement expertise.
- Membership of a communications body.
Additional information
- A minimum 60% of your working time should be spent at your principal workplace. Although requirements to attend other locations for official business will also count towards this level of attendance.
- Alongside your salary of £72,717, Infected Blood Compensation Authority contributes £21,066 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
- Premium allowance paid monthly after probation.
- Learning and development tailored to your role.
- An environment with flexible working options.
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
- A Civil Service Pension which provides an attractive pension, benefits for dependants and employer contributions of 28.97%.
- 32.5 days of paid annual leave plus 8 bank holidays.
- Family friendly policies to support you and your everyday responsibilities.
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave, up to 12 months shared parental leave.
Apply before 11:55pm on Tuesday 26th May.
Head of Communications in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Infected Blood Compensation Authority
At IBCA, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a culture of trust, transparency, and inclusivity. As the Head of Communications, you will not only lead a high-performing team but also play a pivotal role in shaping our strategic narrative while enjoying generous benefits such as a Civil Service Pension with substantial employer contributions, flexible working options, and tailored learning and development opportunities. Join us in making a meaningful impact within the infected blood community, all while benefiting from a supportive work environment that values your contributions and personal growth.
Contact Detail:
Infected Blood Compensation Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Communications in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Understand their mission and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills during interviews. Be clear, concise, and confident when discussing your past experiences. Remember, how you communicate is just as important as what you say!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Communications in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Communications role. Highlight your experience in leading communications, especially in public sector environments, and how you've built trust with communities.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking:We want to see how you approach strategic narratives and communications. Share examples of how you've designed and delivered impactful communications strategies that resonate with diverse audiences, particularly in sensitive contexts.
Highlight Team Leadership Skills:As a leader, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to develop and manage high-performing teams. Talk about your experience in recruitment, talent development, and how you've fostered a collaborative environment that aligns with organisational goals.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. Remember, we appreciate transparency just as much as you do, so make your points easy to understand.
How to prepare for a job interview at Infected Blood Compensation Authority
✨Know Your Strategic Narrative
Before the interview, make sure you understand the organisation's strategic narrative and how it aligns with their mission. Be ready to discuss how you would shape and communicate this narrative effectively, especially in sensitive environments.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a communications team in the past. Highlight your experience in talent development and building capability, as well as how you’ve managed budgets and agency relationships.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your ability to engage with various stakeholders, particularly those who may have low trust in institutions. Share specific instances where you've built trust and transparency within communities, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Balance Communication Priorities
Be prepared to discuss how you balance communication priorities with operational realities. Show that you have excellent judgement in navigating political sensitivities while ensuring effective communication supports operational delivery.
